A busload of naval personnel made the trip from HMAS Albatross to the Wollongong blood donor centre on Monday to take part in one of the nation's largest blood drives. The Defence Blood Challenge kicked off on September 1, with members of the country's defence forces competing against each other over the next three months to make the most donations. Last year, defence personnel made more than 8500 donations - saving more than 25,000 lives in the process. This year they have more than 9000 donations in their sights. Australian Red Cross Blood Service Wollongong spokeswoman Megan Green said it was great to have HMAS Albatross troops in for Navy Day. "We have a mobile unit which travels to the base at Nowra for a day every three months to get donations," she said. "We also regularly set up the mobile unit at Nowra School of Arts, and many navy personnel take the opportunity to donate there too. "But this is the first time a busload has come up to the Wollongong donor centre, and it was great to have them." The defence challenge has been going for more than a decade, helping boost blood stocks across the country and saving more than 110,000 lives. "It's wonderful to see members of our defence forces taking the time to give blood, as part of this challenge," Ms Green says. "During the 2018 challenge, the Navy increased the number of donations they made by more than 500, up 30 per cent from 2017. "In addition they saw their new donor numbers swell; the Navy drafted more first time donors during the challenge than any other service." At the Wollongong centre on Monday, there were some regular donors, and some first-timers, among the group of 15. The annual challenge is a key part of the blood service's Red25 program, in which groups and organisations unite to save lives. "With one in three of us needing blood at some point during our lives but only one in 30 donating, these donors are making a vital contribution to Australia's blood stocks," Ms Green said. "The good news is you don't need to be a member of the ADF to give blood, as long as you are feeling healthy and are aged between 18-75, you may be eligible to donate." To make an appointment call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au